Montréal, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - This year, Montreal celebrates the 50ᵉ anniversary of the 1976 Summer Olympics.
For the occasion, the Festival Go vélo Montréal, presented by Le Lait and organized by Vélo Québec, will incorporate nods to this heritage into its Tour de l’Île de Montréal route, in addition to offering themed events at the finish site.
In this spirit, Vélo Québec is proud to announce that Olympic athlete Félix Dolci, who represented Canada in artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, will act as spokesperson for the Festival Go vélo Montréal 2026.
«We're delighted to be working with Félix on this special edition of the Festival. As well as being an Olympic athlete, Félix embodies a vision of sport based on fun and surpassing oneself. This approach perfectly reflects the spirit of our events, which are designed to be accessible and which invite participants to ride in a festive, friendly atmosphere, without pressure or a stopwatch, while offering them the opportunity to take on a challenge that matches their ambitions,» says Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec.
«It's a real honor for me to be a spokesperson for the Go vélo Montréal Festival. Cycling is much more than a sport, it's a way of life, a way of getting together and rediscovering the city in a new way. I can't wait to share this energy with the participants.·es and inspire even more people to get on board,» adds Félix Dolci, spokesperson for the Festival Go vélo Montréal 2026.
Festival program
The Metropolitan Challenge
Sunday, May 24 - Mirabel
A true kick-off to the cycling season, the Défi métropolitain invites participants to discover a new region of Greater Montreal every year. This year, cyclists will head for Laurentides, departing from Mirabel at the Jean-Bouchard Amphitheatre.
Routes include Oka, Deux-Montagnes and Blainville. An adventure through varied landscapes, from fields to orchards. There are several route options, from 60 to 150 km, so that everyone can choose a distance that suits them.
Festival Conference
Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. - Online and at Esplanade Tranquille
As part of the Festival, Vélo Québec will present a conference entitled :
«More cycling in France: an industry, jobs and women».
On this occasion, Florence Gall, General Delegate of the France Vélo industry, will share her expertise on the structuring and collaboration of economic players in the French cycling ecosystem. She will also present the results of a survey on the feminization of the sector, as well as recommendations for increasing the presence of women in the industry and in cycling.
The Tour la Nuit
Friday, May 29 - Parc Jarry
Every year, the Tour la Nuit is a unique experience. Thousands of cyclists ride through Montreal at dusk, in a festive atmosphere, while the city lights illuminate this nocturnal parade.
This year, the 20km route will pass through the boroughs of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension, Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Saint-Laurent.
The Tour de l’Île de Montréal
Sunday, May 31 - Parc Jarry
The Festival's flagship event, the Tour de l’Île de Montréal allows participants to discover the city in a different way, on streets entirely closed to traffic.
This year, the 30 km and 50 km routes will take participants through the neighborhoods of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Ville-Marie, Le Sud-Ouest and Westmount. The Discovery option, with routes of 65 or 90 km, will take participants to the western tip of the island.
Participants will discover many little-known sites linked to Montreal's Olympic heritage. Among the highlights is the Centre Étienne-Desmarteau, named after the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal.
A festival focused on fun and accessibility
The Montreal Go Bike Festival stands out for its desire to offer an experience accessible to all. With routes ranging from 20 to 150 km, there's something for everyone.
What's more, to encourage youth participation, registration is free for children aged 12 and under. Teenagers aged 13 to 17 benefit from reduced rates:
9.90 $ for Tour la Nuit and Tour de l’Île de Montréal
19.90 $ for the Metropolitan Challenge
True to its mission, Vélo Québec offers non-competitive, non-timed events that focus on the pleasure of riding and discovering the region by bike.
Festival bibs are on sale at our website.
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About the Go vélo Montréal Festival
The Festival Go vélo Montréal is an event organized by Vélo Québec. Presented by Lait, the event also counts Sports Experts and Bixi as associate sponsors. Vélo Québec would like to thank the Ville de Montréal for its financial support of the event, as well as the Government of Québec and Tourisme Montréal, as public partners. The Festival is a member of the Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux (RÉMI).
About Vélo Québec
Since 1967, Vélo Québec's mission has been to develop cycling culture for everyone, everywhere in Quebec.
www.velo.qc.ca
Information
Vélo Québec
Justine Bérubé, Public Relations and Communications Advisor
[email protected]
514 942-0743
